Chris Baird signs to help promotion push

Chris Boden

Versatile Northern Ireland international Chris Baird has joined the Clarets’ promotion drive.

The 32-year-old has signed a two-month deal ahead of Saturday’s trip to Charlton Athletic after leaving Reading in January.

Baird, who lined up against the Clarets at Turf Moor in the Royals’ 2-1 defeat in October, can play central midfield, and all across the back, and Sean Dyche said: “He’s someone we’ve been keeping tabs on.

“He has experience and can cover a number of slots.

“That experience can be very useful in any given occasion.

“If he’s feeling well and he’s right, we’ll use him accordingly.

“He’s played right back a lot and actually played there with a very young Sean Dyche at Watford!

“He can also play in midfield and can go a good job at centre half if required and played a lot of games at the top level.”

Dyche would have no qualms handing Baird a debut at Charlton should Keiran Trippier be ruled out with a hamstring stain.

Dyche will make a late check on ever-present right back Trippier: We’ll wait and see on that one.”

Meanwhile, Burnley go into the final 10 games of the season with a 10-point cushion in the automatic promotion places after QPR lost 3-0 at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night in their game in hand.

Dyche mused: “Things like that show how tough this league is. It’s a big ask for everyone to win games all the time, and Tuesday was another sign of that.

“You just can’t take this league for granted.

“Charlton’s cause is different to ours, but I don’t think teams go under in this league, as Yeovil showed at Wigan.

“I’m pleased with the players and their mentality, they know they have to earn the right to get what we can, and it’s about building on that with good organisation, physicality and quality.

“There’s no reason to overthink it, the players know their responsibility and Charlton is next up.”